Prior to the opening of “The Purge: Anarchy,” in theaters Friday July 18, leading actor Frank Grillo talked with AL DÍA about the horror thriller film which reflects America’s obsession with guns and violence. 

In this second of a series written and directed by James DeMonaco, the titular purge is a night when all crime is legal and all hospitals, fire stations, and police stations in the United States are closed down for 12 hours.

“When DeMonaco was asked about why he wrote this movie he said it was because of America’s obsession with guns and violence,” Grillo said. “It’s a mirror for people to reflect about why violence is so prominent in our country.”

The actor gives life to Leo Barnes, who goes out onto the streets to get revenge on the man who killed his son as the purge commenced. Meanwhile, a couple runs out of gas and they flee from masked attackers on motorcycles. A mother and daughter run out into the night after a group of assailants break into their house. And they all meet up as they attempt to survive.

The American obsession Grillo and DeMonaco referred to is, without doubt, part of the success of this series of violent movies. 

Despite mixed reviews, the first part of “The Purge” grossed almost $90 million during its run in 2013, far surpassing its $3 million budget, thus prompting a sequel, which is set to open worldwide the same day as in the United States.

“The whole world sees the same movies we do, the whole world plays the same video games we do, but people don’t kill kids in schools in other countries... that’s kind of an American thing,” Grillo said. 

The actor added that even though the movie is not intended to have a strong political message, it will inevitably make those who watch it think about violence.

In reference to the gun control debate, the father of three wondered, “when are too many kids dying?”

Grillo says he doesn't carry guns, and he’s afraid of them. He doesn’t like to shoot them either, but he sure knows how to do it because of the kind of movies in which he acts.

Although Grillo has been working in the entertainment industry for a long time (he had his breakout in the soap opera,“The Guiding Light”) he is best known for his role as Brock Rumlow or “Crossbones” in the 2014 production of  “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” — the first of a six-picture deal with Marvel Studios.

He says he never planned to become a badass on screen, nor a leading man, but it seems the time has come. 

He likes to think he’s on the same path as his friend Liam Neeson, with whom he shared credits in “The Grey,” and who has also starred in acclaimed films such as “Schindler's List” and “Les Misérables,” as well as action movies like “Taken” and “Non-Stop.”

“He started this thing ... guys who are decent actors who do action, as opposed to guys who are action guys,” Grillo said.

Or Bryan Cranston, who has a long career as an actor, but recently became famous with “Breaking Bad,” thus becoming a leading man of studio movies.

“I guess I fall somewhere into that,” said Grillo. “I don’t have expectations, I’m just happy to be here.”